Love my Scout! Now I need a cleaning machine!

[marios_mar]

Originally Posted by cpw

Todd,
I finally got my Scout set up and it's great.
Unfortunately all my older vinyl now sounds like crap as I hear things the MMF5 didn't bring out.
I fear I need a cleaning machine now.
I came to this site a few months ago for a portable headphone amp and here's what I've bought since:
Headroom TBH
PPX3
HR-2
Meridian 508.20
PHilips 963a
Von Schweikert VR1
Plateau stands
HD600
HD650
ER4P/S
CD3K (on the way)
Music Hall MMF5
VPI Scout/Grado Platinum
Solus Rack
Headphone rig cabinet
Banana Hanger
About 40 LPs
About 50 CDs

Why do I think it won't stop w/ a record cleaning machine?!
Somebody help me!
CPW

CPW if you stop buying high end gear and start buying more music I think you will be happier.

90 albums and so much money spent on gear sounds strange.

[cpw]

Originally Posted by marios_mar

CPW if you stop buying high end gear and start buying more music I think you will be happier.

90 albums and so much money spent on gear sounds strange.

What can I say. I'm a gear whoor! I think the SACMODS package on the 963a, a subwoofer and a record cleaning machine will put this system at rest for quite some time.
I am really enjoying vinyl hunting but used records make the need for a clening machine ever more apparent.
CPW

[marios_mar]

Just out of curiosity can you please comment quickly and compare the 963 modded and the Meridian?

I am really interested in hearing about this.

[cpw]

Originally Posted by marios_mar

Just out of curiosity can you please comment quickly and compare the 963 modded and the Meridian?

I am really interested in hearing about this.

I haven't yet modded the 963a so I can't comment. If it sounds as good as the Meridian, I'll be ecstatic. I really haven't heard any source I thought was better. I just haven't heard that many high-end cdps. I'm sure the new Meridians, Wadia, etc. are great, I've just never had the opportunity.

Maybe some others who've heard the SACDMODS 963a can help here. I'm planning to do it just based on what I've read.
CPW

[marios_mar]

Originally Posted by cpw

I really haven't heard any source I thought was better. CPW

does that include the Scout?

[cpw]

Originally Posted by marios_mar

does that include the Scout?

So far yes but I haven't been able to listen to the Scout yet w/ my new phono stage (XR-2) as I managed to snap the needle off my cartridge and am still waiting for it to be repaired. I'll let you know when the cartridge gets back.
The Meridian has the best bass I've ever heard from a cdp. I think the Scout was somewhat hampered by a mediocre phono stage thus far. Soundstage of the Scout is incredible/ jury is still out on tone. Probably more a function of cartridge and stage than of the TT itself anyway.
CPW

[marios_mar]

Originally Posted by cpw

So far yes but I haven't been able to listen to the Scout yet w/ my new phono stage (XR-2) as I managed to snap the needle off my cartridge and am still waiting for it to be repaired. I'll let you know when the cartridge gets back.
The Meridian has the best bass I've ever heard from a cdp. I think the Scout was somewhat hampered by a mediocre phono stage thus far. Soundstage of the Scout is incredible/ jury is still out on tone. Probably more a function of cartridge and stage than of the TT itself anyway.
CPW

it seems really strange to get better bass from a CDP than a great TT.

congradts on snapping the needle, now that is one nasty thing to happen!!

I will be waiting for your impressions, though it seems hard for me to believe that a digital combo beats a similarly priced analog system.

[cpw]

Originally Posted by marios_mar

it seems really strange to get better bass from a CDP than a great TT.

congradts on snapping the needle, now that is one nasty thing to happen!!

I will be waiting for your impressions, though it seems hard for me to believe that a digital combo beats a similarly priced analog system.

My hope is that the Scout will really shine w/ the new stage and finally make me prefer vinyl to the Meridian. (I'll still need a record cleaner I'm afraid.)
CPW

[marios_mar]

I hope it works out for you.

Enjoy your gear and do not forget the music!

[zowie]

Originally Posted by cpw

PS. I counted and only 37 CDs, 29 LPs (9 in the mail) since I came here. That's not so bad, right?

Bad? It's terrible! You should have gotten much more vinyl.